The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston was founded in 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge.

UCLan has evolved over the years to become a world-class institution, confirmed by its inclusion in the QS World Rankings – the first modern university in the UK to gain this status.

Applied research is critical to the development of UCLan and in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) all 16 of the subject areas to be submitted were recognised as demonstrating elements of world-leading research.
Amongst UCLan’s programme portfolio of 500 undergraduate and 200+ postgraduate courses, are emerging disciplines of Journalism, Fashion, Forensics and Sports Science. The range of excellence extends to include the likes of Pharmacy, Architecture, Astrophysics and the first new School of Dentistry to be launched in the UK in more than a century.

UCLan aims to create the perfect blend of knowledge, practical experience and relevance to equip its graduates with the confidence and skills needed for their careers. Employability skills are embedded into every degree course and UCLan’s sector-defining careers and employability service offers help and advice, courses and work experience opportunities to support graduates.

A truly global institution, UCLan’s student body includes 120 nationalities, has a partnership network that extends to 125 countries in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia, and runs over 100 student exchange programmes.

UCLan encourages and nurtures originality, from the ground-breaking Energy Management partnership with BAE Systems to its launch of the world’s first International Fashion Institute and the UK’s first MBA in Fashion, to its proud record of student business start-ups – a sector-leading 60 per cent of which are still thriving after three years.
With a world class academic reputation firmly rooted in relevance, UCLan is focused on a future of providing innovative thinking.

UCLan is now offering undergraduate medicine (MBBS) to international students.